Saudi King Salman calls on Muslims to close ranks, renounce extremism …. NO JOKE

SHAFAQNA – On the eve of the month of Ramadan, King Salman broke away from his usual silence to deliver his good wishes … or so did the Saudi government stage the affair. Actually not really since the king’ speech was delivered by an emissary of his royal highness.

Regardless of what many may think of the kingdom, Ramadan is of course a month during which we all ought to put our differences aside to draw closer to God, and atone for our many sins.

Sadly, the kingdom thought best to give in to sarcasm …. or was it satire … we are not quite sure. In any case the royal speech missed the mark, highlighting instead the sheer hypocrisy of a regime whose sense of moral, ethic and decency was long lost – buried maybe under the sands of Nejd desert!

Read out by Minister of Culture and Information Adel Al-Turaifi, addressed to Muslims everywhere, the Saudi King emphasized the urgent need to realize Islamic unity at a time when the whole world reels under the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

He then reiterated Saudi Arabia’s determination to close Muslims ranks and forge better ties with all countries of the world. He said Islam is the religion of peace and mercy, which calls for moderation and renunciation of violence and extremism.

The Saudi King asked Muslims everywhere to use the occasion of the holy month to stay united and devote their worship entirely to God alone.

No joke!

Saudi Arabia wants to lead the Muslim world towards peace … the same Saudi Arabia which is currently starving and cluster bombing Yemen, the same Saudi Arabia which is aiding and abating Takfiris in Syria, and Iraq, the same Saudi Arabia which declared all non-Wahhabi Muslims apostates … the same Saudi Arabia which is butchering Shia Muslims across the Arab world.

The very monarch who appointed himself the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques while persecuting and oppressing Muslims around the world is wishing the world peace? The same regime which shamelessly forbade Iranians from performing Hajj on account Wahhabis cannot stand the sight of Imam Ali’s followers?

So yes Ramadan is a time for peace, reflection and prayers … but it is also a time for courage, and truth. There can never be peace without justice! And to have justice one needs to speak the truth in the face of falsehood … only then can we truly claim to be following in the footsteps of the last prophet of God.

Many still are those who answered the call of their prophet:”Well done Ibn Abi Talib! Today you became the Leader of all believing men and women.”

“It seems the time approached when I shall be called away (by Allah) and I shall answer that call. I am leaving for you two precious things and if you adhere to them both, you will never go astray after me. They are the Book of Allah and my Progeny, that is my Ahlul Bayt. The two shall never separate from each other until they come to me by the Pool (of Paradise).”